The duties of a Canal Inspectorate Censor are extensive; combined, they mirror the functions of the Inspectorate, the Office of Political Conduct, the ICAC, the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Commission Against Corruption, and the Agency Against Corruption from Zhao An's previous life.
Furthermore, the Canal Inspectorate Censor holds partial authority to mobilize troops. This is because the offices of the Canal Inspectorate Censor, the Salt Inspectorate Censor, and the Agriculture Inspectorate Censor are the successors to the Ming Dynasty’s Traveling Censorate.
A Traveling Censor acted as the Emperor’s representative on inspection tours, demonstrating the high status of the position. They had the power to request rulings on major issues and make immediate decisions on minor ones, showing the weight of their authority. Because they were permitted to speak plainly on all matters of political success or failure, and on the welfare of the military and the people, their scope was remarkably broad. Their responsibility was equally severe: any crime committed by a Censor was punished with a penalty three degrees harsher than that for a commoner.
Chapter 196